Walking Problems: Signs, Causes and Treatment

Most people walk thousands of steps a day — to get around, to do their daily tasks, to exercise — without thinking about it. For people with a walking problem, daily life can be harder.

Signs

A walking problem may make you:

• walk with your head and neck bent forward;
• drag, drop or shuffle your feet;
• move irregularly or jerkily as you walk;
• take smaller steps;
• waddle;
• walk more slowly or stiffly.

Causes

The pattern of how you walk is your gait, and many diseases and conditions can affect it:

• muscles or bones of the legs or feet that developed abnormally;
• arthritis of the hips, knees, ankles or feet;
• cerebellar disorders, which affect the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance;
• foot problems such as corns and calluses, sores and warts;
• infections;
• injuries such as fractures (broken bones), sprains and tendinitis;
• movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease;
• neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and disorders of the peripheral nerves;
• vision problems.

Finding the cause

Your health care provider will ask about your medical history and examine you, checking your bones and muscles and doing a neurological exam. Some people also need other tests, such as lab tests or imaging.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. When a medical condition is behind it, treating the condition often improves walking. Common treatments include:

• medicines;
• mobility aids such as walkers and canes;
• physical therapy;
• special shoes, insoles, splints or braces;
• surgery.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Walking Problems." https://medlineplus.gov/walkingproblems.html
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